Chinese set for go-ahead to move into Renault building

The Chinese government is looking to take over the empty Renault building in West Swindon to set up a trading post.

The plan is to move in hundreds of Chinese firms, which will use the Renault building as their way into European markets.

Although Chinese-owned, representatives from the consortium that is hoping to move in say there will be thousands of jobs for Swindon people.

The consortium has already agreed a £17 million deal to buy the Renault building, which is known officially as the Spectrum building and featured in the James Bond film A View to A Kill. Swindon Council's planning committee will decide whether to allow the project to go ahead.

Council papers released before Tuesday's planning meeting show officers are recommending that councillors give the scheme the green light.

Although intended to be a wholesale and distribution centre, if opened under Chinese ownership it would not be open to the public.

Swindon Council leader Mike Bawden (Con, Old Town and Lawns) said: "The planning committee has got to consider the application on planning merits.

"Should they be willing to grant permission this would be an opportunity to establish an important link with China, which has been for the last five to 10 years the most rapidly growing economy in the world.

"This also identifies the national importance of Swindon as an economic area."

As well as distribution jobs, there could also be assembly work available, putting together goods manufactured in China.

Chief executive of Swindon Chamber of Commerce Dennis Grant said: "We welcome the move, and it would certainly bring another dimension into the town.

"The Renault building has been empty for some time and is perfectly placed. There will be many benefits to Swindon if this goes ahead."

The Renault building has lain empty since November 2001, when the French car firm moved its distribution plant to the East Midlands.

The meeting at the Civic Offices is at 7pm and is open to the public.